21.10.11
HealthWatch England gears up for launch
The recruitment of the Chair of HealthWatch England will begin next month as a major step in the establishment of the service, which has been branded a “consumer champion” for patients rather than a regulator.
HealthWatch England is designed to be an intermediary between the people who use NHS and care services in England and the authorities who can make changes to these services including the NHS Commissioning Board, the Secretary of State and local authorities.
Patrick Vernon, chair of the HealthWatch advisory group, said: “The Chair will voice the views of people who use health and social care services to those responsible for services locally and nationally and be able to use those views to influence national policy.”
The Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is responsible for the development of HealthWatch England, will underpin the new organisation and work with it to provide better care services across the country.
Dame Jo Williams, CQC chair, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us. HealthWatch England’s work will complement and strengthen CQC’s existing activity. CQC will provide HealthWatch England with a strong foundation. HealthWatch England will have clear routes to raise concerns about services, swiftly and effectively.”
CQC have planned other landmark developments to follow the recruitment of the Chair for HealthWatch England in the coming months, including the appointment of senior staff who will be in place by June 2012. They intend to agree the budget for the service with the Department of Health by summer 2012.
Once appointed, the Chair is expected to assume the post in April 2012 as Chair designate until the Health & Social Care Bill receives royal assent.
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